by Eldy Muharam
“When the Show Tent Came to My Town” is a coming-of-age story that brings back memories of childhood through its classic tale. The film takes on important issues such as bullying, friendship, and self-acceptance, making the audience reflect on their own experiences during childhood.
Set in the mid-70s during the Showa era, the movie fosters a simple yet emotional story that is told from three different perspectives. This solid storytelling makes the audience experience the adventure and fear through the eyes of children. The story follows Akira, a boy who is constantly bullied and believes in the existence of monsters. That is until one day he encounters Rumiko, a new student at his school who is very popular and mysterious and is trying to help him get revenge on the kids who bullied him. Hideko is a lonely and dirty girl who is always shunned by her friends. Feeling sorry for Hideko, Rumiko asks Akira to be her friend.
Speculation that Hideko is the “Wolf Girl,” a performer who portrays a woman who was raised by wolves, has sparked enthusiasm in the class. Koichi, played by Daigo Ariki, jokingly refers to Hideko as a “wolf girl” because of the way she looks. Akira is hooked on the girl at the circus and is continually speculating as to whether Hideko or someone else is the Wolf Girl. After some attempts, Akira sneaks into the circus covertly through a back door in an effort to learn the truth. The sight of a woman with a torn mouth, however, shocks and traumatizes him, making him too afraid to go back there.
Yoshihiro Fukagawa directs a touching movie that highlights the emotions of the protagonists. The movie focuses on the theme of friendship and outcasts and effectively conveys its message through the perspective of children. The steady pace, combined with a surprising twist near the end, elevates this story above expectations and makes it an enjoyable and thought-provoking experience.
The entire cast gives outstanding performances, but Mao Ohno deserves special praise for her depiction of the captivating Rumiko. Her ability to portray a mysterious persona with realism is exceptional. The audience can relate to Akira's terror of the circus, and credit goes to Tatsuya Suzuki's characterization.
The depiction of the school in the Showa era is quite nostalgic, and “When the Show Comes to My Town” effectively captures the dark and frightening circus. The music is occasionally overused but still good. Minoru Ishiyama's cinematography gives each scene a distinct feel.
“When the Show Tent Came to My Town” is a heartwarming, nostalgic experience that carries you back to your childhood. This is a solid movie that is a must-see for anyone looking to reminisce.
